Functions

Graph these functions on your GDC between the x values stated. Then
sketch the functions on paper. Note the y values that the graphs go
between for these values of x. (Your graph must be visible at all times
between the x values in order to get the appropriate y values)
a) = 2 3 4 7

b) = 10 2 2 5

c) =
2
3 3 3
4 2 2 4 6
10
5
5
10
x
y
= 2 3
y-values? 11 11
= 2 3
y-values? 0 14
2 1 1 2 3 4 5
5
10
x
y
= 10 2
= 2 3
y-values? 3 6
3 2 1 1 2 3
5
5
x
y
=
2
3
A relation is a set of ordered pairs
The domain is the set of all first numbers (x-values) of the
ordered pairs
The range is the set of the second numbers (y-values) in each pair
A function is a mathematical relationship such that each element of the domain of the
function is associated with exactly one element of the range of the function. In order for
a relation to be a function no two ordered pairs may have the same first element.
Consider the graph = 2 3, we can list the coordinates as a list of ordered pairs
x values y values
-3 -9
-2 -7
-1 -5
0 -3
1 -1
2 1
3 3
DOMAIN
RANGE
This a function as one number in the domain maps to one number in the
range and all the numbers in the domain are different
Consider the graph = 10 2, we can list the coordinates as a list of ordered pairs
x values y values
-3 16
-2 14
-1 12
0 10
1 8
2 6
3 4
DOMAIN
RANGE
This a function as one number in the domain maps to one number in the
range and all the numbers in the domain are different
Consider the graph =
2
3 we can list the coordinates as a list of ordered pairs
x values y values
-3 6
-2 1
-1 -2
0 -3
1 -2
2 1
3 6
DOMAIN
RANGE
This a function as one number in the domain maps to one number in the
range and all the numbers in the domain are different. Note that it doesnt
matter if some of the y values are the same.
5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
x
y
DOMAIN
DOMAIN
R
A
N
G
E

R
A
N
G
E

You may find this picture useful to remember domain and range
In short the domain is the values you put into a function, the range is
the values you get out.
The vertical line test:

A relation is a function if any vertical line drawn will not intersect the graph more than once.
This is called the vertical line test.
3 2 1 1 2 3
5
5
x
y
2 1 1 2 3
5
5
x
y
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
3
2
1
1
2
3
x
y
8 6 4 2 2 4 6 8
5
10
15
x
y
Function notation
Functions are often described by equations. For example = 7 3 is an equation
that describes y as a function of x. We can re-write this as = 7 3. Here we
have given the function the symbol f
We can also write a function like so: : 7 3
An ordered pair can be written (, ) this could be a coordinate
To find the value of f(x) for a particular value of x, we substitute that value into
the function.
For example find the value of the function when x=2

(2) = 7 2 3
(2) = 11

A relation that maps one element from the domain onto one element in
the range is called a one-to-one mapping
A relation that maps two or more elements from the domain onto one
element in the range is called a two-to-one or many-to-one mapping
Both of these cases result in functions
Consider = 2 7 Each value in the domain is mapped onto a single value
in the range.
Consider =
2
Each value in the domain is mapped onto a value in the
range which may be repeated. Consider x=3 and x=-3. They both give back the
value 9.
A function that does not pass the vertical
line test is a one-to-many mapping.
Therefore a one-to-many mapping is not a
function.
Sketch these functions:

1. = ,

2. = +2,

3. =
2
+1,

4. =
2
1 0 5
Are they all functions? Explain your answer.
Will all straight lines be functions?
Will all quadratics be functions?